When Najmul Hossain Shanto, captain of the Bangladesh Cricket Board was confirmed as skipper for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, fans across Dhaka felt a mix of relief and curiosity. The tournament kicks off on February 19, 2025, across venues in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh will be thrown into Group A alongside India, New Zealand and the host nation. BCB selectors, led by head coach Phil Simmons, opted for a blend of seasoned campaigners and hungry youngsters, hoping the mix can survive the spin‑friendly pitches and the pressure of a packed schedule.
Squad Overview and Selections
The 15‑man roster reads like a snapshot of Bangladeshi cricket's evolving identity. Alongside Shanto, the side includes veteran wicket‑keeper‑batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who at 37 still wields one of the most resilient gloves in the game. Young open‑ers Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Anik get the nod, while the middle order features the experienced Mahmudullah and dynamic all‑rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The pace department stacks up with Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and the promising 21‑year‑old Rishad Hossain. A full list follows:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Towhid Hridoy
- Soumya Sarkar
- Tanzid Hasan
- Mahmudullah
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Nasum Ahmed
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Nahid Rana
Noticeably missing are wicket‑keeper Litton Das, who has endured a 13‑match drought without a fifty, and former captain Shakib Al Hasan, suspended after a second illegal‑action review. Their absences signal a clear shift toward form over fame.
Why the Changes Matter
The BCB told reporters from its headquarters in Mirpur, Dhaka that the squad was chosen “with an eye on recent performance and the specific demands of sub‑continental pitches.” In practical terms, that means rewarding players like Miraz, who amassed 152 runs at a 50.66 average during Bangladesh’s West Indies tour, and giving bowlers who have demonstrated control in T20s a chance to translate that into the 50‑over format.
Excluding Shakib also removes a potential double‑wicket‑taker, but it frees up a slot for a bowler whose rhythm aligns with the spin‑heavy tracks expected in Karachi and Abu Dhabi. The decision sparked debate among former players; some argue that the veteran’s experience could have steadied a young side, while others point to his recent compliance issues as a liability.
Group A Draw and Tactical Outlook
Landing in Group A places Bangladesh against three powerhouses. India’s batting depth, New Zealand’s swing specialists, and Pakistan’s own spin arsenal make the group look like a gauntlet. Analysts at CricXtasy rank Bangladesh as the “weakest side” in the pool, a sentiment echoed by NDTV Sports, which warned that “plenty of luck” would be required to repeat the 2017 semi‑final run.
That said, the team’s strategy could hinge on a few key battles. Against India, stifling the top order with disciplined death bowling will be vital. Versus New Zealand, exploiting seam movement in the early overs could force early wickets. And when they meet Pakistan, the spin duel—Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed and Miraz against Pakistan’s Saheer‑Sadiq combo—might become the match‑defining narrative.
Spin Strength and Pitch Conditions
According to a PakPassion.net analysis dated February 10, 2025, Bangladesh’s spin unit ranks fifth among all participating nations. The trio of Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed and Miraz together have taken 34 ODI wickets this year at an economy below 4.8, a respectable figure on flat tracks. The tournament’s venues, especially the Karshi Stadium in Pakistan, are expected to offer low‑bounce, turn‑friendly surfaces by the third day.
Historically, Bangladesh has performed better on slower pitches—remember the 2015–16 series in the UAE where they chased down 300 against the West Indies largely thanks to spin. If the coaches can get the spinners into the right rhythm early, they could neutralise the firepower of the opposition’s top order.
What Lies Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The immediate hurdle is a tight turnaround from the Bangladesh Premier League, which wrapped up on January 15, 2025. Players have had barely a month to shift mental gears from the chaotic T20 environment to the more measured ODI format. Fitness staff are reportedly focusing on endurance drills, because the 50‑over grind in hot conditions can sap even the fittest athletes.
On the upside, the squad’s youthful core—Hridoy, Anik, Rishad and Tanzim—means there’s a hunger to prove themselves on the world stage. Combine that with the leadership of Shanto, who has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the West Indies tour, and the team possesses a blend of resilience and ambition that could surprise pundits.
Finally, the financial stakes are not negligible. A deep run in the Champions Trophy could boost BCB’s sponsorship revenue by an estimated $2.3 million, according to a recent market report. That figure, while modest compared to cricket’s giant leagues, matters for a board still rebuilding its grassroots programs.
Background: Bangladesh’s ICC Champions Trophy Journey
Bangladesh’s most memorable Champions Trophy moment came in 2017, when they toppled New Zealand in the group stage and later benefited from a rain‑aborted match against Australia to reach the semi‑finals. That era, led by Shakib Al Hasan’s all‑round brilliance, remains a benchmark for the current side.
Since then, the team’s performances have been a roller‑coaster. In the 2023 Cricket World Cup they finished eighth, with just two victories out of nine. Their post‑World Cup ODI record includes a solitary series win over Sri Lanka in May 2024, while they suffered a 0‑3 whitewash at the hands of the West Indies in December 2024. These results have prompted the BCB to re‑evaluate talent pipelines, leading to the current emphasis on recent form rather than reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new squad affect Bangladesh’s chances against India?
Bangladesh’s reliance on spin could trouble India’s middle order, especially if Miraz, Rishad and Nasum bowl tight spells on slower tracks. However, India's depth means Bangladesh must also contain their opening pair, a task that will likely fall to Taskin and Mustafizur.
Why was Litton Das left out despite his experience?
Das has endured a 13‑match streak without a half‑century, including six single‑digit scores in his last seven innings. The selectors chose form over seniority, opting for Mushfiqur Rahim, who has a higher recent average and better conversion rate.
What are the key challenges of transitioning from the BPL to the Champions Trophy?
The BPL’s T20 format demands explosive power, while the 50‑over game requires pacing and stamina. Players must adapt to longer spells, especially bowlers who now need to manage four‑over quotas without the luxury of frequent changes.
How significant is Bangladesh’s spin ranking for the tournament?
Being fifth overall in spin effectiveness gives Bangladesh a strategic edge on the expected low‑bounce pitches of Pakistan and the UAE. If they can exploit turn early, they could cripple the top‑order of any opponent.
What does the future look like if Bangladesh makes a deep run?
Beyond the immediate financial boost, a successful campaign would likely accelerate investment in youth academies and could cement the BCB’s credibility when negotiating broadcast rights for upcoming series.
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